The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 40 overview
There were four Video Reviews during Matchday 40.
NYC vs SEA: No penalty kick
Outcome: After review, New York City #13 [Thiago] did not foul Seattle #13 [Jordan Morris] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty, and play restarted with a drop ball [to New York City FC].
Length of Review: 2:26
PRO’s opinion: Thiago (NYC) was unsuccessful in playing the ball, and the referee awarded a penalty kick because he believed that he tripped Morris (SEA). The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that there was no contact that had an impact on the attacker. The referee was correct to rescind the penalty kick after video review.
STL vs RSL: Yellow card (showing a lack of respect for the game)
Outcome: After review, Salt Lake #8 [Diego Luna] did not commit a violent conduct offense on St Louis #8 [Chris Durkin].
The final decision was a yellow card to Salt Lake #8 for showing a lack of respect for the game.
Length of review: 2:50
PRO’s opinion: Durkin (STL) deliberately held Luna’s (RSL) jersey to prevent him from attacking down the touchline. The referee awarded a direct free kick to Real Salt Lake for the foul and Durkin was issued a yellow card for the holding offense. In an attempt to free himself from the hold, Luna had pushed toward his opponent with his right hand before the referee blew his whistle. The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that Luna had made contact with Durkin’s face and recommended a review for a red card for violent conduct. The referee viewed the contact as glancing with an open hand in an attempt to free himself with no malice or brutality and issued a yellow card for showing a lack of respect for the game after video review.
The final decision was to retake the penalty kick.
Length of review: 0:40
The final decision was a direct free kick [to FC Dallas]. The yellow card to Vancouver #2 for stopping a promising attack was rescinded, and a red card was issued for a tripping offense which denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Length of Review: 3:14